Oman is an Arabian jewel combining ancient forts, pristine wadis, and dramatic desert landscapes. From the bustling souqs of Muscat to the frankincense trails of Salalah, this sultanate offers authentic Arabian experiences with world-class hospitality.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Greet Omani men with the traditional Omani greeting 'As-salamu alaykum' — the response is 'Wa alaykum as-salam'. Men may touch noses (khashm) as a greeting.
Dress modestly throughout Oman — shoulders, knees, and midriff should be covered both men and women, especially outside resorts and tourist areas
Friday is the holy day and many businesses close in the morning — plan shopping and sightseeing around Friday prayer times
During Ramadan, do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours — this applies to non-Muslims as well
Always ask permission before photographing Omani people, especially women — photography of palaces and military installations is strictly prohibited
The left hand is considered unclean — always use the right hand for eating, passing objects, and accepting gifts
Remove shoes before entering mosques and private homes — look for shoes stacked at the door as a cue
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Accept qahwa (Omani coffee) and dates when offered — refusing hospitality can be considered rude
- Remove shoes before entering mosques, traditional homes, and many local restaurants
- Dress modestly with covered shoulders, knees, and midriff — bring a headscarf if visiting mosques (women)
- Greet people with 'As-salamu alaykum' — this simple gesture is warmly received and respected
- Carry cash (Omani Rials) for souq shopping, small restaurants, and tipping
- Accept invitations to share tea or coffee — Omanis are exceptionally hospitable and these moments lead to genuine cultural exchange
- Ask permission before photographing locals, especially women and traditional ceremonies
Don't
- Don't photograph government buildings, palaces, military installations, or people without explicit permission
- Don't consume alcohol outside of licensed hotel venues — possession in public areas is illegal
- Don't display public affection — holding hands is acceptable but kissing in public is inappropriate
- Don't use the left hand for eating, receiving gifts, or greeting — the left hand is considered unclean
- Don't eat, drink, or smoke in public during Ramadan daylight hours
- Don't wear revealing clothing outside of beach resort areas — bikinis and shorts are for beaches only
- Don't raise your voice, argue aggressively, or express frustration publicly — maintaining dignity and composure is highly valued
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Khanjar Wearing
The khanjar curved dagger is Oman's national symbol worn by men on special occasions including National Day and weddings. It signifies honor and social status. Omanis are proud of this tradition dating back centuries.
Halwa Hospitality
Offering Omani halwa sweets alongside qahwa coffee is a fundamental gesture of welcome and generosity. Halwa is prepared for celebrations, Eid, and when receiving guests, with each family having their own cherished recipe.
Majlis Culture
The majlis (sitting room) is the social heart of Omani life where family and community gather for conversation. Visitors may be invited to join a majlis, where they should sit cross-legged on the floor and engage respectfully in conversation.
Friday Livestock Markets
Traditional weekly markets at Nizwa and other inland towns where livestock is bought and sold on Friday mornings are an important social occasion where men gather in traditional dress. Visitors are welcome to observe.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Men greet each other with a handshake and may touch noses (khashm) as a traditional Omani greeting. Women are greeted by other women with handshakes or cheek kisses. Men should not initiate physical greeting with women — wait for her to extend her hand first.
- Dining
- Wait for the host to indicate where to sit. Eat with the right hand from communal dishes. Accept all food offered at least initially. Complimenting the food is appreciated.
- Dress
- Modest dress throughout — covered shoulders, knees, and midriff for both sexes in public. Swimwear only at beaches and pools. Traditional dress (dishdasha for men, abaya for women) is appreciated when visiting mosques.
- Gifts
- Bring quality dates, halwa, or high-quality incense when visiting an Omani home. Avoid alcohol as gifts unless you know the recipient drinks. Gifts are often not opened immediately in the presence of the giver.
- Business
- Business cards are exchanged formally with both hands or the right hand. Meetings begin with coffee and conversation before business — allow time for relationship building. Hierarchy is important: greet the most senior person first.
- Tipping
- 10-15% at upscale restaurants and hotels. Taxi drivers appreciate rounding up the fare. Small tip for hotel housekeeping OMR 0.5-1 per day. Tipping not mandatory but appreciated.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
السلام عليكم (As-salamu alaykum)
Hello / Peace be upon you
as-SAL-a-moo ah-LAY-koom
وعليكم السلام (Wa alaykum as-salam)
And upon you peace (reply to hello)
wa ah-LAY-koom as-SAL-am
شكراً (Shukran)
Thank you
SHOO-kran
عفواً (Afwan)
You're welcome
AF-wan
من فضلك (Min fadlak)
Please
min FAD-lak
كيف حالك؟ (Kayfa halak?)
How are you?
KAY-fa HA-lak
بخير، الحمد لله (Bikhair, alhamdulillah)
I'm fine, praise God
bi-KHAYR, al-HAM-du-lil-LAH
أين...؟ (Ayna...?)
Where is...?
AY-na
كم السعر؟ (Kam as-si'r?)
How much?
KAM as-SEE-er
لذيذ! (Ladhidh!)
Delicious!
la-DHEETH
قهوة عربية (Qahwa arabiyya)
Coffee please (Omani coffee)
GAH-wa ah-RAB-ee-ya
مع السلامة (Ma'a as-salama)
Goodbye
MA-as-sal-AH-ma
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Oman.
Main: Islam — specifically the Ibadi school, a moderate early branch distinct from Sunni and Shia Islam. Oman is the only country with an Ibadi majority, known for tolerance and scholarship.
Sites: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (Muscat) — open to non-Muslims mornings except Friday. Nizwa Mosque and many historic mosques visible but usually not open to non-Muslims. Friday prayers around 12:30 PM.
Holy Days: Eid Al Fitr (end of Ramadan), Eid Al Adha (feast of sacrifice), Islamic New Year, Prophet's birthday. National Day November 18-19 is a major secular celebration.
Conversations: Avoid criticizing Islam or the Sultan (illegal). Don't discuss Israel-Palestine politics. Topics of personal religious practice are generally private. Asking respectful questions about Ibadi tradition is usually welcomed.